The group provides life and accidental death benefits to thousands of officers in our area, and across the state. It provides a small bit of help for families in need in a time of trouble.

"You can't replace them, and there's no way you can compensate the family for a lifetime of an earning potential, but in some way you can help a little bit, so I think it's a wonderful cause and I'm glad to help out," Pearl said.

More than 125 local businesses, individuals and organizations contribute to the insurance policies for all active duty officers in nearly a dozen law enforcement agencies across the River Region.

Pearl will speak at the New York Life "Community Appreciation" event on Friday.